Fresh appeal for witnesses after man charged in Boldmere knife attack

A man has been charged with attempted robbery after allegedly threatening a man with a knife in Sutton Coldfield on Sunday.

Sean Kelly, 32, of Sutton Coldfield, was charged by West Midlands Police on Tuesday morning and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court later that day.

The victim, in a status posted to his Facebook profile, spoke about how he had gotten in to his car after using a cashpoint on Boldmere Road on the evening of Sunday 21st January. A “20-stone” man then climbed in to the passenger seat of his car and threatened to kill him unless he drove off.

The victim managed to fight the attacker off and escaped unharmed. The man fled the car and was arrested shortly after.

Councillor appeals for eyewitnesses

In a statement to Birmingham Eastside, Labour councillor for the area Rob Pocock has appealed for witnesses of the “outrageous incident” to come forward:

“It’s great the police have made an arrest… but they need evidence from witnesses. I’m aware there were residents in the street at the time, including some young people, so I would urge anyone who saw anything connected to this incident to please call the West Mids Police on 101, they will talk with you in confidence to try and establish the full facts.

In the meantime it’s important we all continue to see Boldmere as a very safe local centre. My message to all residents is ‘carry on shopping’!”

Two girls believed to be key witnesses

Police are still searching for first-hand witnesses, in particular two girls who are believed to have witnessed the incident, and possibly taken photos of the attacker.

Update:

[23rd January, 16.15]

Kelly’s hearing at Birmingham Crown Court has been set for the 20th February.

Were you around Sainsburys on Boldmere Road, on Sunday 21st January around 6.30pm?